APEDA registration (RCMC) for agri and food exporters

Register with APEDA through DGFT's e-RCMC portal to export rice, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bakery, beverages and more. Official fee ₹5,900, documents, validity and steps.

Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026

Issued by

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

Validity

5 years

Time

Online through the DGFT e-RCMC portal

What it is

APEDA looks after the export of many agricultural and processed food products. If you export these products you take your RCMC from APEDA. Since 17 July 2023, APEDA issues the RCMC through the DGFT e-RCMC portal, after you have an IEC.

Who needs it

Exporters of APEDA scheduled products. DGFT's list of registering authorities gives APEDA these product groups: fruits, vegetables and their products; meat; poultry; dairy; confectionery, biscuits and bakery; honey, jaggery and sugar products; cocoa and chocolates; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; cereals and cereal products; groundnuts, peanuts and walnut; pickles, chutneys and papads; guar gum; floriculture; herbal and medicinal plants.

Official fees

Fee	Official amount
RCMC registration (online)	₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST)Checked on official page SourceValid for 5 years.
RCMC renewal (online)	₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST)Checked on official page Source
Amendment or modification after issue	No feeChecked on official page Source

Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay. Amounts marked To confirm could not be checked on an official page.

Documents to keep ready

Signed and sealed copy of your IEC (merchant exporter)
For a manufacturer or manufacturer-cum-merchant exporter: the IEC plus signed and sealed proof of manufacturing
Manufacturing proof depends on the product. APEDA's circular names FSSAI or Udyam registration for most food products, the Department of Horticulture for floriculture and seeds, and the Excise Commissioner for alcoholic beverages

Steps to apply

Get your IEC from DGFT. IEC code guide Fee: ₹500
Open the e-RCMC link on the DGFT portal and choose APEDA scheduled products. DGFT e-RCMC
Upload the documents and pay the fee online. Fee: ₹5,900
Download the e-RCMC. Renew before the five years end. Fee: ₹5,900

Where to apply

DGFT e-RCMC portal: Apply for APEDA RCMC
APEDA: Product rules and schemes
APEDA circular on e-RCMC: Fee and documents

Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.

Other checks for food exports

Many agri products also need a phytosanitary certificate from the plant quarantine authority and may need inspection or packing house approvals. The importing country's rules decide the rest. See the phytosanitary certificate guide.

Common questions

How much is the APEDA RCMC fee?

₹5,900, which is ₹5,000 plus 18% GST, for registration and also for renewal, according to APEDA's circular.

How long is the APEDA RCMC valid?

Five years.

Where do I apply?

On the DGFT e-RCMC portal. APEDA began using it for RCMC from 17 July 2023, after the exporter has an IEC.

Which products does APEDA cover?

DGFT's Appendix 2T lists fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, bakery and confectionery, honey and jaggery, cocoa, beverages, cereals, groundnuts, pickles and papads, guar gum, floriculture and herbal plants.

Is Govt License a government website?

No. Govt License is an independent guide. We link to the official government portals where you apply and pay. Always confirm the fee on the portal before paying.